Exalted Divide

Her face lit up with a bubbly giggle, practically beaming with pride. “Shall I do another?”

“No, though I suppose you could try to use water-elemental Spirit Artes to fill it. For now though…” She pulls out a water bottle and fills the tank for him.

“Yes! It’ll be my honor to fight at your side, your majesty!” This is just like when they were little kids.

“Hmmm…I’ve not used one like this before, but let’s see…” She takes it from him and examines all the dodads on it. “First, you need to fill the tank. Next, this one requires pumping in order to fire.” She points to one handle on it. “This will build up pressure in it, which is what makes the water squirt.” This should be cake compared to a GHS.

“You mean this doesn’t automatically do it? These water gun inventions are rather unimpressive.” Though he shouldn’t have too many expectations. It was supposed to be a child’s toy.

“Yah!” With a swift jab of her hair and as much feeling as she could muster, the balloon finally burst, showering Gaius with water. Overjoyed, Muzét latched onto Gaius, not at all perturbed by the soaked king and very please with herself despite the troublingly sturdy rubber.

“Teehee~ I got you!” 

There is another water balloon to try, an even bigger one than the first. Muzét gingerly picks it up and holds it over Gaius’ head before letting it drop with an unmajestic flop that wriggles and then bounces to the ground. And just sits there. Unimpressed. 

Muzét retrieved the unbusted balloon, only to drop it on Gaius’ head once again. With the same. Exact result.

“....” He’s starting to feel bad about this situation, but he’s confused as to why when he’s getting a big blob thrown at him. Twice.

“I see......so this is the weapon that shoots water projectiles without an arte.”

“MY TIME HAS COME--”

“They do say that Santa has a sleight and reindeer.” There had been something humorous about all of this, as though Gaius had been somewhat out of his element. Usually the king presented himself with confidence in himself and the situation, then again, maybe the man did know what he had been doing. 

A slight smirk slipped upon his features. “That is true,” He agreed with a short nod. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I’m all for it.” 

The king hummed to himself in thought, interesting. Perhaps this was more of an Elympian tradition than it was for Reize Maxia, though he was more than curious himself how these traditions and tall tales came about, but he would merely watch in observation. He was out of his element, but only slightly to where it didn’t bother him to inquire Ludger about it. He’d much rather do that than get teased by the Conductor. 

“Rowen always has things planned.” No matter what the reason, their eldest member of the group somehow managed to have something planned ahead of time or if necessary. It made Ludger wonder just how smart the man truly had been and what he knew beneath that pleasant disposition. 

Ludger blinked. “Ah, she said that?” It had been like Elle to make such assumptions. “I have no problem with that.” It sounded like a fun idea to say the least. 

“Are you sure that’s okay?” 

The king gave a soft nod, “She said other things like sleigh bells and reindeer. Something about Elize reading her a tale or two. She seems rather excited about the ordeal.” It wasn’t like it was anything out of the way for him, which would have been quite the opposite for the two.

With a subtle wiggle on his lap, she withdrew a shiny bow and delicately stuck it to Gaius’ head. “You!”

Whether intentional or not, Muzét’s citrus eyes softened at Gaius’ touch. He could ask her to accompany him down the street and she would happily follow. “Yes, of course. Are you intending to taste the local vintage while we visit?”    

His eyes focused on Elle, watching her running up the shopping booths peering at the many items and gifts that were on display. A quiet smile resting upon his lips watching as she held Roll and began murmuring to him excited. Chuckling quietly in bemusement, before eyes strayed from her and glanced over at Gaius.

“Plan?” He repeated, and tilted his head. “Not yet. Why? Did you have something planned?” 

“I’m sure Rowen had some things planned, but they can be arranged for a later time.” He would call and ask but he refused to tamper with that technology that was simply burning a hole in his coat pocket. 

“Though Elle did say something about wondering if Santa supposedly went to the castle during this time and has been asking me various questions on the topic.” He admired the young one’s innocence, “I was wondering if you wanted to humor her and stay at the castle.”